Automation has a voice on Capitol Hill, says The Automation Federation. The federation’s board of directors will meet in April for its third annual strategic planning session to review accomplishments, developments, and plans of the umbrella group. Members of constituent groups – WBF, OMAC, WINA, and ISA – have focused on the key issue of workforce development.

Phase I of the organization’s evolution was achieved when managing director Bruno Kisala announced his intention to relocate to the Virginia area. Patrick Gouhin, secretary of the board of directors, will serve as interim managing director.

Staff has been working with member organizations since the federation’s inception. The transition team will execute existing programs and plans and oversee the board’s creation of strategic business plans for the future that will lead to Phase II of development. The Board will also assess skills and competencies needed in a managing director.

“The Automation Federation, along with its member organizations, has achieved so much during Mr. Kisala’s tenure as managing director,” said Gouhin. “Each organization has enjoyed numerous successes, and we’re confident that the leadership team we have in place will transition the Federation to an even higher level of success in the future.”

Federation chairman Steve Huffman added, “The vision for the Federation has been met and exceeded in the past year, and this transition gives us an opportunity to refresh and update our strategy so that we can catch up to our accomplishments. We are definitely positioned well for ongoing success, and the board is looking forward to continuing to serve both the member organizations and the broader objectives of the Federation.”

Members have recently experienced areas of growth. ISA, an active participant in the Federation’s government relations initiatives, has welcomed North Carolina Rep. David Price to AF headquarters, and has defined initiatives in an ongoing workforce development plan, working with other organizations.

OMAC’s Microsoft Manufacturing User Group (MsMUG) is migrating to Automation Federation to support industry needs as a horizontal application that covers vertical disciplines. Users and integrators join MsMUG to be part of one manufacturing voice. Moving the group to the Federation will broaden participation and establish communication in manufacturing relative to process, hybrid, and discrete industry segments.

www.automationfederation.org